Great Barrier Reef: record heatwave may cause another coral bleaching event

42.6C temperature in Cairns broke a November record that has stood since 1900 by 5.4C

A record-breaking heatwave in north Queensland will further increase above-average marine temperatures, heightening the risk of another coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef next year, scientists say.

Dozens of record November temperatures have been recorded in the region, most along the reef coastline, this week.